Elena - ARPAS UK

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ECITB Drone Training Course offered by First Scottish College

Forth Valley College (FVC) has launched Scotland’s first ECITB Industrial Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations: Foundation Training Course, marking a significant advancement in industrial drone training. This pioneering five-day program, hosted at FVC’s Falkirk Campus, is designed to enhance drone operation skills for industrial applications, including infrastructure inspections, site surveys, and data capture.

Course Development and Industry Collaboration

The course was developed in collaboration with industry leaders, notably Sellafield Ltd, to establish a new standard for uncrewed aircraft operations in complex engineering and construction environments. Amanda Smith, UAV Equipment Programme Lead at Sellafield, emphasized the course’s value: “Having this new standard means if someone comes to us with this ECITB qualification, I understand the standard of the training they’ve got, which saves time on internal assessments.” 

Course Objectives and Structure

The ECITB Foundation UAS training course aims to bridge the gap between basic drone flying and specialized, high-risk industrial applications. It is ideal for experienced drone pilots transitioning to multi-sector operations or companies seeking to upskill employees. The course equips participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.

Theoretical Modules:

Platform: Understanding drone types and capabilities.
Path: Flight planning and navigation.
People: Safety, crew coordination, and risk management.
Procedures: Operational guidelines and compliance.
Planning: Risk assessment and mission preparation.

Practical Training Includes:

Precise drone control in varying conditions.
Flying near structures safely and effectively.
Capturing high-quality industrial data.
Managing data securely in line with site protocols.

Upon successful completion, participants receive ECITB Certification, an industry-recognized benchmark for pilot competency.

Industry Perspectives

Chris Mann, ECITB’s Director of Learning and Assurance, highlighted the course’s benefits: “The use of drones across industrial settings, particularly for maintenance inspections, offers real benefits to industry, including increased worker safety and efficiency as well as a reduction in asset downtime.”

Zak Stark, FVC’s Head of Commercial Training, emphasized the course’s alignment with industry needs: “As industry demand for drone technology continues to grow, this course ensures that companies have access to an industry benchmark for pilot competency and subsequently highly skilled pilots who can meet stringent operational and safety standards.”

Role of ARPAS-UK and Pravo Consulting

ARPAS-UK has been instrumental in supporting the safe adoption of drones across various sectors. They have collaborated with specialists to deliver Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions relevant to multiple industries.

Pravo Consulting, represented by Philip Hicks, has been involved in preparatory discussions for this inaugural education program. Their collaboration with Graham Brown at ARPAS-UK and Jamie Allan and the team in Scotland has been pivotal in shaping the course to meet industry standards and requirements.

Economic Impact of Drone Technology

The integration of drones into industrial operations is projected to have substantial economic benefits. According to PwC’s “Skies Without Limits” report, drones could add £42 billion to the UK GDP by 2030, with 76,000 drones operating in UK skies and a total of 628,000 jobs in the drone-related economy. The report also predicts £3.5 billion in cost savings from drone uptake in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Future Prospects

The launch of the ECITB Industrial UAS Operations: Foundation Training Course at Forth Valley College sets a precedent for drone training in the UK. It addresses the growing demand for skilled drone operators capable of performing complex tasks in industrial environments. As industries continue to adopt drone technology, such training programs will be crucial in ensuring safety, efficiency, and adherence to regulatory standards.

For more information about the course, interested parties can contact Forth Valley College at [email protected].

In conclusion, the collaboration between Forth Valley College, ECITB, ARPAS-UK, Pravo Consulting, and industry leaders like Sellafield Ltd exemplifies a proactive approach to integrating emerging technologies into industrial practices. This initiative not only enhances the skill set of drone operators but also contributes to the broader goal of modernizing industrial operations through innovative solutions.

11 March 2025

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OfCom & CAA: Making 978 MHz spectrum available for drones

Ofcom has announced a new initiative to make the 978 MHz spectrum available for drone safety devices in the UK. These devices, known as Universal Access Transceivers (UAT), help aircraft identify drones’ locations, ensuring safer integration into airspace. This change is essential for critical infrastructure tasks, such as inspecting power lines and wind turbines.

The 978 MHz spectrum has been shared since 2016 between aeronautical uses and low-power radio microphones for events. From now on, Ofcom will stop licensing this spectrum for outdoor programme-making and special events (PMSE) use, though indoor use will still be allowed. To compensate, new frequencies are being introduced to expand the available spectrum for PMSE, ensuring minimal interference.

This shift in spectrum usage allows for more efficient drone operations while ensuring PMSE users are provided with alternative frequencies.

OfCom and the CAA issued a joint statement in June 2022, with an update March 2025.

20250311_OfCom & CAA on Frequency Download

This change supports beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and is part of the Future of Flight action plan and the CAA’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy. Plus: A Supplementary Amendment to Electronic Conspicuity Devices

Read other related posts.

11 March 2025

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Royal Aeronautical Society RPAAS Conference 23-24 April 2025

In the 2025 RPAAS Conference, experts discuss and explain the obstacles currently hindering progress, exploring practical solutions to overcome them and pave the way for broader integration of drone technology, including:

Location: RAeS HQ, No.4 Hamilton Place, London W1J 7BQ or Virtual

Timing: 8.30am for a 9am start – 5pm

How can we achieve cost-effective RPAAS operations without compromising safety, ensuring these safe and effective RPAAS operations remain economically viable for all stakeholders?
Examine the crucial question of airspace management and service provision and who bears the financial responsibility within the Air Traffic Management (ATM) framework.
Insights into the market outlook, highlighting key issues and barriers and outlining the essential initiatives required to unlock the full potential of drone operations.
Future trends and market outlook: Exploring emerging technologies and market trends shaping the future of RPAAS
How can we assess the potential economic and societal benefits of RPAAS and eVTOL, and what is their transformative impact on various sectors and the broader community?

View Full Programme

ARPAS-UK Members can access the Corporate Partner rate.

Full View Conference Details

View Further Events

10 March 2025

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Uncrewed Aircraft Manufacturer Schiebel Selected for UK Police Trials

The UK Police National Police Air Service (NPAS) has selected selected global manufacturer Schiebel to support its most ambitious trial so far of ‘Beyond the Visual Line of Sight’ (BVLOS) uncrewed aircraft operations. The trial – which, in 2024, successfully achieved a place in the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) BVLOS integration sandbox – will evaluate the feasibility of using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to work alongside crewed UK Police helicopters and aeroplanes in support of policing operations across England and Wales.

David Walters, NPAS Head of Futures and Innovation, said the aim of the trial was to determine if advancements in aviation technology can bring future benefits to policing and, if they can, how they could be safely introduced into UK airspace. “We will be evaluating how we might integrate uncrewed aircraft into the existing NPAS operating model, under the current management of our CAA-approved Accountable Manager and Form 4 certificate-holders, who are qualified and accountable for the delivery of safe police air operations over England and Wales,”

Schiebel will be flying the CAMCOPTER S-100 in a carefully selected and controlled environment to assess the UAS capabilities, as part of the concept for a future blended fleet, operated by NPAS. “The CAMCOPTER S-100 is being operated worldwide with over 40 customers so far, including the UK Royal Navy. With its unrivalled experience and outstanding capabilities, the S-100 is the ideal UAS for this trial,” said Neil Hunter, Head of Global Sales at Schiebel. “Schiebel prides itself at being at the forefront of delivering UAS technology globally and is continually looking to support the expansion and growth of UAS, specifically in the commercial market. In Western Europe alone it has won contracts with the European Maritime Safety Agency, and with Bristow Group supporting their UK Search and Rescue operations. Being chosen to fulfil this exciting and ground-breaking NPAS trial is testament to the S-100 pedigree and maturity,” he added.

Schiebel will join the National Air Traffic Control Service (NATS) as part of the team supporting the NPAS Futures and Innovation team with the trial, which is funded by the Home Office and scheduled to see its first test flight in summer 2025. After extensive consultation, an area in the Severn estuary, in South West England, has been selected for the trial flights, away from any built-up environments.

For the last 24 months, NPAS has been building a robust safety case, which has included testing a ‘detect and avoid’ solution, to ensure the trial can operate safely and with minimum disruption to the public and other airspace users. Along with the potential capabilities for policing operations, the trial will also evaluate the effectiveness of the ‘detect and avoid’ solution.

“We cannot predict the outcome of the trial, but it is imperative we deliver the same, or improved, capability that we have today with our crewed aircraft. The desired outcome is to be able to offer police forces in England and Wales a way of supporting their operations in an even more flexible way, with a continued emphasis on public safety,” added David Walters.

The National Police Air Service was formed in 2012 as part of a collaboration between all police forces in England and Wales to deliver efficient, borderless air support. With an existing fleet of 19 helicopters and four aeroplanes, operating from 15 regional bases, the service responds to around 100 calls for service each day. Air support deployments most commonly range from high-risk missing people and vehicle pursuits to firearms containments, public order and crowd control, intelligence-gathering, counter-terrorism, major incidents and aerial searches.

For more Member Success Stories

7 March 2025

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Protected: Forestry England : Field Data Collection Services DPS

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Drone Related Jobs as at 7 March 2025

Disclaimer: All jobs posted here are from LinkedIn and other job sites including member and non-member organizations. Drone Related Jobs

MK Surveys is looking to recruit a UAS Manager

MK Surveys – UAS Manager (Mar25)Download

Skeye is looking to recruit a UAV Pilot.

View Role

Skylift are looking to recruit an Operations Manager.

View Role

Malloy Aeronautics is looking to recruit several roles: Senior UAV Performance Modelling Engineer, UAV Pilot, Manufacturing Buyer, Electronics Test Engineer and Battery Technician amongst others.

View Roles

AECOM is looking to recruit a Graduate Geospatial Engineer and a Graduate Human Factors Consultant.

Envirocentre is looking to recruit a Graduate Consultant/Consultant Hydrologist/Water Specialist.

Prismatic is looking to recruit a UAS Systems Operator.

View Role

Links to other Drone Related Jobs

7 March 2025

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Protected: DE&S Early Engagement Event: 28 March 2025

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Women in Drones 2025

In honour of International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible achievements of women in industries that have historically been male-dominated — one of which is the drone industry. Women have made remarkable strides, breaking barriers and leading innovation in a field that is reshaping the world: Women in Drones.

In the UK, there are inspiring women making significant contributions across drone technology, piloting, policy-making, and more. Their work not only impacts the drone industry but also serves as a beacon for other women to pursue careers in tech, aerospace, and engineering. Here are 10 women who are helping to shape the future of drones and inspiring the next generation.

Emily Butt

Head of Lowland Rescue Drone Search Department | Drone Lead at Leicestershire Search and Rescue | GIS and Data Manager & Drone Pilot at Forestry England

Amanda Smith

UAV Equipment Engineer – Programme Lead at Sellafield Ltd

Alison Moffat

UAV Survey Manager & Principal Land Surveyor MCInstCES at WSP in the UK

Sophie-Louise O’Sullivan

Director – CAA Future Flight Programme & Head of Future Safety & Innovation, previously Head of General Aviation & RPAS

Carys Kaiser

Freelance at Kaiser Media: Drone Pilot, Trainer & Educator

Emma Hodgetts

Principal Consultant in UAS at Frazer-Nash Consultancy

Rebecca Jones

CEO of Iprosurv & STEM Ambassador

Grace Hammond

Head of Services, Built Environment at Vantage UAV

Yvette Lawrenson

Regulatory Lead at Windracers

Lucy Fuller

Aviation Safety & Compliance Manager | Expert in Airspace Management & Airspace Change | Proven Leader in Aviation Regulations

Equally, our ARPAS-UK talent should not be overlooked either!

Anne-Lise Scaillierez

Director & CEO of ARPAS-UK, & Partner at The Drone Office

Sarah Lay

Director at ARPAS-UK, & Senior Consultant at Ebeni

Elena Major

Head of Membership & Operations at ARPAS-UK, Masters Student in Uncrewed Systems at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Annabel Worthington

Membership & Engagement with ARPAS-UK

Why It’s Important to Support Women in Drones

The contributions of these women demonstrate that gender is not a barrier to success in the drone industry. But there is still work to be done to ensure equal representation and opportunities for women. Companies, organisations, and industry leaders must actively support women in the industry by promoting diversity, offering mentorship, and creating spaces where women can thrive.

Supporting women in the drone sector is not just about closing the gender gap; it’s about fostering innovation. Diverse teams bring unique perspectives, resulting in better problem-solving and more creative solutions. As the drone industry continues to grow, the need for diverse voices will only become more critical.

Inspiring the Next Generation

If you are a woman thinking about pursuing a career in drones or technology, look to the inspiring women above as role models. With the right mindset and support, there is nothing standing in the way of your success. It’s time to break the mold and contribute to the exciting future of drones!

Together, we can make the drone industry a place where women not only have a seat at the table but can lead, innovate, and inspire future generations.

What can companies in the UK Drone Industry do to support women?

1 – Sign The Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter. ARPAS-UK is a supporting signatory. The website has a great Resource Hub.

2 – ALTA is a mentoring platform for women in the aviation and aerospace industry, run by the Royal Aeronautical Society. Join as a mentor or mentee.

3 – Let’s keep pushing for change and encourage more women to join the drone revolution. Happy International Women’s Day!

8 March 2025

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CAP 722B, ed 5, UK SORA & Remote Pilot Competency AMC/GM announced by CAA

The CAA has published the ORS9 decision, ORS9 CAA Decision No.46, setting out the UK Specific Operation Risk Assessment (SORA) as Acceptable Means of Compliance to UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 Article 11. This will become effective on 23 April 2025, and be updated in the Regulatory Library shortly.

The CAA has also published new Remote Pilot Competence standards as AMC, and an update to CAP722B.

Find out more on their website about SORA.

UK SORA: The CAA has developed the UK Specific Operation Risk Assessment (UK SORA) methodology to enable UAS operators to comply with the requirements for conducting an operational risk assessment set out in the UAS Regulation (UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947). New expanded AMC on remote pilot competence has been developed to support remote pilot training and progression for increasingly complex UAS operations.

Remote Pilot Competence – CAP 722B: This revision has been issued to introduce Entity requirements for applications in relation to the new remote pilot competence scheme introduced as Acceptable Means of Compliance to Article 8 of the UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947. In addition, new requirements, and guidance material regarding the use of Flight Simulator Training Devices (FSTD) has been provided. To improve clarity, this document has been restructured to include specific requirements, means of compliance (if applicable), and guidance material sections.

Watch the ARPAS-UK Fireside Chat on UK SORA

3 March 2025

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The Unsung Advantage – Non-Technical Skills: Webinar 8 May 2025 at 10am

Highlighting the criticality of developing Non-Technical Skills (NTS), that is Human Factors and Crew Resource Management, for uncrewed teams and operators. Uncovering why the requirement for optimised NTS within the uncrewed sphere is not only as vital as for crewed flight, but also introduces new demands, not experienced in the traditional cockpit environment. Join us for this webinar with Chris Davies and Grant Meekey of Volaria Performance.

Who is this webinar for? RAEs, the Defence Sector, Companies interested in or already operating BVLOS, and Larger Drone Service Operating Companies with Teams of Pilots. It still remains beneficial for all drone service operating companies to attend.

Speaker Bios:

Chris Davies, Director, Volaria Performance.

Chris is an experienced military and civilian aviator and leader within both Rotary- and Fixed-Wing environments. A specialist in the field of HF/CRM, he also has extensive experience within the uncrewed sector and is thus uniquely placed to assist teams in navigating the increasingly demanding challenges faced in such operations.

Grant Meekey, Director, Volaria Performance.

Grant is an accomplished multi-aircraft and multi-crew position aviator, with over 34 years of aerospace experience, both Rotary- and Fixed-wing. Highly qualified and accomplished in HF/CRM training delivery, he is also the Chair of a major Human Factors Training Advisory Panel in the UK.

Register for the Webinar

For more webinars on various topics and to watch again

For further Human Factors related webinars:

For more on CHIRP (Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme) for UAS

17 February 2025